Spirit Works Straight Rye is a small-batch, high-rye whiskey from Sebastopol in Sonoma County, California, made grain to glass from 70% rye and 30% malted barley, aged at least four years and bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).
Spirit Works Distillery was founded by husband and wife Timo and Ashby Marshall, who set up shop at The Barlow in Sebastopol, West Sonoma County. Every grain is milled, mashed, fermented and distilled on site, and the distillery is notable for a production team led largely by women, with Ashby as head distiller. The rye is always aged in full-size American oak barrels; with no corn in the mash bill, it is spicy and bold as you would expect yet incredibly rounded.
A bright aroma of baked apple, coffee, cedar and leather leads to a palate of clove, nutmeg, honeycomb, toasted coconut and vanilla, with a warm, rounded spice finish.
The amber bottle makes it a handsome gift for California whiskey fans.
American rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged in new charred oak, giving it a spicier, drier character than bourbon, with notes of pepper, herbs and baking spice.
Straight rye must be aged at least two years in new charred oak.
Malted barley adds a soft, bready sweetness to rye spice.
A splash of water opens the baked apple and coffee notes.
It makes an excellent Sazerac.
Try it in a Vieux Carré or Brooklyn cocktail.
It pairs with smoked meats, aged cheddar or spiced nuts.
Tasting Notes
-
Nose: Baked apple, coffee, cedar, leather.
-
Palate: Clove, nutmeg, honeycomb, coconut, vanilla.
-
Finish: Warm rounded spice.
Specifications
-
Distillery: Spirit Works Distillery, Sebastopol, California
-
Style: Straight rye whiskey
-
Mash bill: 70% rye, 30% malted barley
-
Age: Minimum 4 years, full-size American oak
-
Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
-
Origin: Sonoma County, California
-
Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat, or make a Manhattan or rye Old Fashioned with something made entirely in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mash bill?
70% rye and 30% malted barley.
How old is it?
A minimum of four years.
Where is it made?
Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
